HE LOVES US
Rom.5:3-5 – And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
This is the game changer, this is what changed everything for me and continues to change everything. He loves me. Not because of me or anything I bring to the table, it’s because of Him. He chooses to love me and all the other unlovelies He calls His own. That’s what grabbed my attention the day I was converted, His love and forgiveness extended to me in my miserable, rebellious condition. I was literally stopped in my tracks. The more I read the gospels the more I was completely won over. The finishing volley? The baptism in the Spirit totally finished me off. To me it was a total immersion into a substance only describable as liquid love. He loves me, He loves you; nothing else really matters. Here is how R C Sproul describes this passage.
“Here Paul is not talking about our love for God; he is talking about God’s love for us. The love of God is a love that the Holy Spirit sheds abroad. God’s love for the justified is no mere feeling; neither are the gifts that God gives us or the benefits that he pours upon us. It is God’s affection that God puts inside of us, his love for us. That is what fuels our hope and gives us confidence that we will not be ashamed. It is what enables us to persevere and endure tribulations and afflictions. The love God pours out is no small portion; it is an outpouring of divine love, lavished upon us.”
This love is what attracts us, this same love is what keeps us. When everything seems to be caving in and you are not sure what is going on in your life, His love is sufficient. He will keep you in the darkest night with His love. When morning dawns you will be stronger than before, strengthened by His love. So whatever you have done in your past and no matter who has hurt or betrayed you, God’s love for you is consistent and relentless. He will not give up until you are resting in His love.
